NCS
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After strutting a assured Versace assortment at Milan Fashion Week in February that referenced most of the model’s signature emblems, together with the Medusa, Barocco and Greca, Donatella Versace took a bow.
Many observers had questioned if it will be Donatella Versace’s final in her place as chief creative officer, a job she has held for nearly three many years, amid hypothesis of a possible sale of the Versace firm from its present proprietor to the Prada group.
On Thursday, Versace confirmed to NCS that Donatella Versace, 69, would transition to the newly created position of chief model ambassador, during which she would “dedicate herself to the support of Versace’s philanthropic and charitable endeavors” whereas additionally remaining “an advocate for the brand globally,” in keeping with an emailed assertion.
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In tandem, Dario Vitale has been named as the model’s chief creative officer, marking the primary time that the designer position has been crammed exterior of the household. (Donatella Versace stepped into the place in 1997, taking on the label based by her late brother Gianni, who died that yr.)
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity,” stated Donatella Versace in an emailed assertion. “In my new role, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”
“Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” Donatella Versace added, thanking the corporate’s design studio and staff. “I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes.”
In footage: The life and profession of Donatella Versace
Vitale, who begins at Versace on April 1, joins from Prada-owned Miu Miu, the place he was most just lately design and picture director — a publish that he left in January. Vitale’s appointment comes as the Prada group edges nearer to purchasing Versace from US-based Capri Holdings in a $1.6 billion deal, a transfer that may deliver him again into the Prada fold.
Emmanuel Gintzburger, Versace’s CEO since 2022, known as Vitale “a rare talent, who deeply respects the essence and values of Versace and clearly understands its growth potential.”
Capri Holdings chairman and CEO John D. Idol echoed that sentiment, including that “today’s announcements were part of a thoughtful succession plan for Versace.” Idol famous that Vitale was “a strong design leader” and that “we are confident that his talent and vision will be instrumental to Versace’s future growth.”
Capri, which additionally owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, has been re-evaluating its portfolio after an $8.5 billion deal to merge with Tapestry, proprietor of Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman, was blocked by the US Federal Trade Commission final yr.